WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What do I need to know about my child's cystoscopy? A cystoscopy is a procedure to look inside your child's urethra and bladder. A urologist uses a cystoscope to do the procedure. A cystoscope is a scope with a light and camera on the end. A cystoscopy is used to find the cause of problems in your child's urethra and bladder. These problems may include any of the following: - Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Blood in your child's urine
- Urinating often (more than 8 times per day)
- Not able to hold back urine
- Not able to empty bladder completely
- Pain before, during, after urinating
- Abnormal cells found during urine tests
What are other reasons my child may need a cystoscopy? A cystoscopy is also used to treat problems with your child's urethra and bladder. During a cystoscopy, your child's urologist may do any of the following: - Remove a stone in your child's bladder or urethra
- Remove or treat abnormal tissue or polyps
- Remove tissue for a biopsy
- Inject medicine or material into the urethra or bladder
- Remove a stent
- Other tests, such as retrograde pyelography
How can I prepare my child for a cystoscopy?Tell your child's healthcare provider the medicine your child takes. Your child's healthcare provider may tell you what medicines to give or not give your child. Your child may need to stop eating at midnight the night before the cystoscopy. Your child may need to drink a large amount of liquid before the procedure. Your child may be given medicine to help him relax. What will happen during the cystoscopy? Your child will be given general anesthesia to keep him sleep and pain-free during the procedure. He may receive an antibiotic in his IV before the procedure. The cystoscope will be will be placed through your child's urethra and into his bladder. The urologist will look at the walls of your child's urethra as the scope goes through to his bladder. Your child's bladder may be filled with an irrigation liquid to make the bladder full. This will help the urologist see the inside of your child's bladder more clearly. Medical tools may be used to remove tissue or stones. The urologist may use a special tool to stop any bleeding in your child's bladder. If your child has blood clots in his bladder, an irrigation fluid may be put in first. Then, suction will be used to remove the fluid and blood clots. What will happen after your child's cystoscopy? You will be able to take your child home after he is fully awake. After a cystoscopy, it is normal for your child to have pink-colored urine. It is also normal for your child to have an increased need to urinate. He may have a burning feeling when he urinates. What are the risks of a cystoscopy? Your child may bleed more than expected or develop an infection. Swelling caused by the cystoscopy may cause a blockage or slow urine flow. |